1. Health

Discuss in my forum

Should You Get Infertility Counseling?

Signs of Infertility-Related Depression and Anxiety

By , About.com Guide

Updated December 15, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

I have trouble with concentrating and remembering things

Connect On-LinePhoto © User Zela / Stock.xchng
Some fertility drugs can cause concentration problems. But if you’re finding that you are "spacey" much of the time and unable to concentrate on your work, you might want to see a counselor. Having trouble concentrating and remembering can also be caused by anxiety over infertility.

I am increasing my use of drugs or alcohol

You know you shouldn’t be drinking when you’re trying to get pregnant. But maybe the stress has gotten to you, and you find yourself having a drink to relax a night. Especially if this is something you’ve never done before, or if your drinking is getting to be a problem, counseling may be a good option for you.

I am experiencing changes in the way I eat or sleep

Woman eats chocolate to cope with stress.Photo: Peter Teller / Getty Images
Find yourself eating to comfort yourself? Or, do you just not feel like eating? Changes in your eating patterns, as well as changes in your weight, can be signs of depression. Problems with sleeping, either too much or too little, can also be a sign of depression.

I have had thoughts of suicide or death

If you find yourself thinking that you’d be better off dead, or fantasizing about suicide, it’s extremely important that you see a therapist. Suicidal thoughts are a sign of intense depression, and the sooner you find help, the sooner you’ll be able to feel better about your life again.

Sources:

Patient’s Fact Sheet: Infertility Counseling and Support: When and Where To Find It. American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Accessed December 8, 2008. http://www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/Counseling-Fact.pdf

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.